Review of Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) by Mike S — 04 Jun 2013

Jules Verne must be turning in his grave right now. For the past few years, we've helplessly witnessed as beloved classics like Around the World in 80 Days and 10 000 Leagues under the Sea have been beaten, abused and robbed of all their soul and dignity.

I mean, just look at what The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen did to Captain Nemo. Granted that they're still watchable and somewhat enjoyable in their new and reinvented forms, but considering the pure story-telling brilliance of Verne's original work, you can't help but think that Hollywood has long since stopped caring.

As for this film, it's pretty much the same thing. Although not bad, it's leagues away from the greatness of the source material. Entertaining yes, but so crammed with blue screens and unconvincing CGI, that it comes off more like a video game than anything else.

Decent, as far as family adventures go, but I'm sure glad I didn't pay to see it in the cinema.